Tour overview

This 30-day small-group adventure combines the best of Peru with eight nights island-hopping in the Galápagos. Groups have no more than 16 travellers aged 15 and over, with a local leader in Peru and naturalist guides in the Galápagos. Most nights are in hotels, with a family homestay, three nights camping on the Inca Trail, a jungle lodge and one overnight bus. Internal flights, including to and from the Galápagos, are included. The trip is land-only, starting in Lima and ending in Quito.

After a walking tour of Lima's colonial centre, you head down the desert coast to Paracas, with an optional boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, and to the oasis of Huacachina among sand dunes. At Nazca you visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, and you can take an optional flight over the Nazca Lines, before an overnight bus to Arequipa, the White City. Crossing the altiplano at 4,800 metres, you reach the Colca Canyon, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, to watch Andean condors.

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On Lake Titicaca you visit the floating Uros Islands, spend a night with a family in Llachón and walk across Taquile Island. From Cusco, the old Inca capital, you hike the four-day Inca Trail with porters over Dead Woman's Pass and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. The Quarry Trail and a train option are alternatives. A flight to Puerto Maldonado leads by canoe to a jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios rainforest, with guided day and night walks.

From Lima you fly to Quito for a tour of its historic centre, then on to the Galápagos. On San Cristóbal you snorkel with sea lions at La Lobería and at Kicker Rock, home to turtles, rays and sharks. A speedboat via Floreana, where you snorkel and lunch with a community tourism project, takes you to Isabela. There you see Galápagos penguins and white-tipped sharks at Las Tintoreras, giant tortoises at a breeding centre and flamingos in the lagoons, and hike the crater rim of Sierra Negra volcano. On Santa Cruz you visit a highland sugar-cane farm, walk to Tortuga Bay and see the Charles Darwin Research Station.

The pace is varied, with long travel days, time at altitude and active days on the trail and in the water. It suits fit, curious travellers who want the Andes, the Amazon and the Galápagos in one month-long journey.

Trip highlights

  • Huacachina oasis and the Chauchilla Cemetery near Nazca (Days 3–4)
  • Andean condors over the Colca Canyon (Day 7)
  • A homestay in Llachón on Lake Titicaca (Day 8)
  • The four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Days 12–15)
  • Two nights at a jungle lodge in the Peruvian Amazon (Days 17–18)
  • Snorkelling with sea lions at Kicker Rock on San Cristóbal (Day 23)
  • Penguins, sharks and giant tortoises on Isabela (Day 25)

Comparing tours? Read our guide: Peru, Bolivia, Galapagos or the Lot? The Best Multi-Country South America Tours · Inca Trail or Train? Every Way to Reach Machu Picchu on an Escorted Tour

Your route

21 stops from Lima to Santa Cruz

30-day route: Lima – Nazca – Arequipa – Puno – Cusco – Inca Trail – Amazon – Lima – Quito – San Cristóbal – Isabela – Santa Cruz – Quito
  1. Lima Days 1 & 19–20
  2. Pisco Day 2
  3. Huacachina Day 3
  4. Nazca Day 3
  5. Arequipa Days 4–5
  6. Chivay Day 6
  7. Puno Days 7 & 9
  8. Uros Islands Day 8
  9. Llachón Day 8
  10. Taquile Island Day 9
  11. Cusco Days 10–11 & 15–16
  12. Ollantaytambo Day 12
  13. Inca Trail (camping) Days 12–14
  14. Machu Picchu Day 15
  15. Puerto Maldonado Day 17
  16. Jungle lodge (Amazon) Days 17–18
  17. Quito Days 21 & 29–30
  18. San Cristóbal Days 22–23
  19. Floreana Day 24
  20. Isabela Days 24–26
  21. Santa Cruz Days 27–28

Why choose this tour

One trip links Peru's desert coast, the Andes, the Inca Trail and the Amazon with a land-based Galápagos stay on four islands, with all internal flights included. Small groups, local leaders and naturalist guides, plus a homestay and community visits, give real insight into each place.

Best suited to

  • Fit travellers who want to hike the Inca Trail
  • Wildlife lovers keen to snorkel in the Galápagos
  • Travellers with a month to see Peru and Ecuador properly
  • Solo travellers, who can share a room at no extra cost
Giant tortoises in their natural habitat, Galápagos

Day-by-day itinerary

30 days from Lima, Peru to Quito, Ecuador

  1. Day 1 · Lima Arrive in Lima

    The trip starts with a welcome meeting at 4pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, you could visit the Gold Museum or the Larco Museum, or see the Magic Water Circuit fountains in the evening.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Lima, Paracas Lima to Paracas

    A walking tour of downtown Lima takes in Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the San Francisco Monastery and the Central Market. Then take a local bus south along the coast to Paracas, where the evening is free.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Nazca Paracas, Huacachina and Nazca

    You could start with an optional boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see pelicans, boobies and sea lions. Then drive to Huacachina, a small oasis among sand dunes, and on to Nazca, home of the ancient geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Nazca, Chauchilla Cemetery Chauchilla Cemetery and overnight bus

    Visit the desert cemetery of Chauchilla, where the dry climate has preserved the remains of the Nazca people. An optional flight over the Nazca Lines is available. In the afternoon, board an overnight bus to Arequipa.

    Hotel
    Overnight bus
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Arequipa Arequipa

    Arrive in Arequipa in the morning and freshen up. The rest of the day is free in the White City, built of pale volcanic stone beneath El Misti. You could visit Santa Catalina Monastery or the Juanita Museum.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Patapampa Pass, Chivay Over the altiplano to Chivay

    Travel by minivan to the market town of Chivay, spotting llamas, alpacas and vicuñas and stopping for coca tea. Cross Patapampa, at 4,800 metres the highest point of the trip. In the afternoon you could relax in the La Calera hot springs.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. Day 7 · Colca Canyon, Puno Colca Canyon to Puno

    Visit the Colca Canyon, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, with pre-Inca farming terraces and a viewpoint where Andean condors soar. Then take a long bus journey across the altiplano to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  8. Day 8 · Uros Islands, Llachón Uros Islands and Llachón homestay

    Cruise to the floating Uros Islands, built from totora reeds, then continue to Llachón for a homestay with a local family. Help with daily tasks, learn some Quechua and share a home-cooked dinner.

    Hotel
    Family homestay
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Taquile Island, Puno Taquile Island

    Cruise to Taquile Island, known for textiles knitted by the men. Walk up to the main square, then descend about 500 steps to the boat and return to Puno.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Cusco Bus to Cusco

    Take a scenic bus across the altiplano to Cusco, at 3,450 metres. A guided walk takes in the Qoricancha, San Pedro Market, the Plaza de Armas and the twelve-angled stone, with a visit to the Chocolate Museum for a hot chocolate.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Cusco Free day in Cusco

    A free day. A tourist ticket covers several museums and Inca sites, including Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo and Pisac. Tonight you receive your duffle bag for the trek.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Llactapata Inca Trail: day one

    Begin the four-day Inca Trail near Ollantaytambo, with porters carrying the camping gear and a small duffle of your things. The first day passes the ruins of Llactapata. Alternatives are the Quarry Trail or two days in Cusco before the train.

    Hotel
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  13. Day 13 · Dead Woman's Pass, Pacaymayo Valley Inca Trail: Dead Woman's Pass

    The hardest day: a steep climb to Dead Woman's Pass, the trail's highest point at 4,200 metres, then down to camp in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres.

    Hotel
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  14. Day 14 · Runkuracay Pass, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna Inca Trail: cloud-forest ruins

    Climb to Runkuracay Pass at 3,980 metres for views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, then pass the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, the Town Above the Clouds. Descend Inca steps to the last camp by Wiñay Wayna.

    Hotel
    Camping
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  15. Day 15 · Sun Gate, Machu Picchu, Cusco Machu Picchu

    After a 4am breakfast, hike about 2.5 hours to the Sun Gate for the first view of Machu Picchu, weather permitting, followed by a guided tour of the citadel. Return to Cusco by train and road.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  16. Day 16 · Cusco Free day in Cusco

    A free day to rest, browse San Pedro Market or take a day trip to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  17. Day 17 · Puerto Maldonado, Peruvian Amazon Into the Amazon

    Fly to Puerto Maldonado and repack a small bag for the jungle. A motorised canoe takes you a couple of hours upriver to a thatched eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region, with lunch on the way.

    Hotel
    Jungle eco-lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  18. Day 18 · Madre de Dios Amazon rainforest

    A half-day guided trek introduces the rainforest and its medicinal plants. Look for macaws, monkeys, capybaras and giant otters. After free time at the lodge, a night walk searches for caimans.

    Hotel
    Jungle eco-lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  19. Day 19 · Puerto Maldonado, Lima Fly to Lima

    Return to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Lima, where you are met and taken to your hotel. In the evening you could have a farewell dinner with the Peru group.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  20. Day 20 · Lima Free day in Lima

    A free day in Lima. You could explore the clifftop district of Barranco, visit the Larco Museum or simply rest before the Ecuador section.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  21. Day 21 · Quito Fly to Quito

    Fly to Quito, at 2,850 metres beneath Pichincha volcano. After a 2pm meeting with your new group, take the metro to Parque de la Alameda for a tour of the UNESCO-listed historic centre, including the Basilica and La Compañía church.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  22. Day 22 · San Cristóbal, La Lobería Fly to San Cristóbal

    Fly to San Cristóbal in the Galápagos, where your naturalist guide meets you. Pick up snorkelling gear and head to La Lobería to swim with sea lions.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  23. Day 23 · Kicker Rock, Frigatebird Hill Kicker Rock

    Take a 45-minute boat to León Dormido, or Kicker Rock, to snorkel among sea turtles, rays and harmless Galápagos sharks, with lunch on board. Then visit the Interpretation Centre and walk to Frigatebird Hill for views of the bay.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  24. Day 24 · Floreana, Isabela Floreana to Isabela

    A speedboat heads for Isabela, stopping at Floreana to visit a black-sand beach owned by descendants of early settlers and to snorkel. Lunch is at a small family restaurant that is part of the island's community tourism project.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  25. Day 25 · Las Tintoreras, Isabela Las Tintoreras and tortoises

    Take a small boat to Las Tintoreras to see marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks resting in a narrow channel, with snorkelling and kayaking. In the afternoon, visit the giant tortoise breeding centre and the flamingo lagoon.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  26. Day 26 · Sierra Negra, Isabela Sierra Negra volcano

    Weather permitting, hike Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos, with one of the largest craters in the world. The walk is a challenging 17 kilometres, about five to six hours. The rest of the day is free.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  27. Day 27 · Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz highlands Santa Cruz highlands

    Take a speedboat to Santa Cruz and head into the highlands to a family-run organic farm with a traditional sugar-cane mill. A cooking demonstration shows how to make encebollado, the local tuna soup.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  28. Day 28 · Tortuga Bay, Puerto Ayora, Charles Darwin Research Station Tortuga Bay and the Darwin station

    Walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the islands' finest beaches, and see the fish market in Puerto Ayora. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and learn about conservation projects in the islands.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  29. Day 29 · Quito Fly to Quito

    Fly back to Quito via Guayaquil, arriving in the afternoon. You are met at the airport, and the evening is free for a final dinner with the group.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  30. Day 30 · Quito Trip ends in Quito

    The trip ends after breakfast. If you have time, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, the Otavalo market and the Papallacta hot springs are all within reach of Quito.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Sea lions resting on a beach on Española, Galápagos

Where you stay

  • Lima (1 night) Hotel
  • Paracas (1 night) Hotel
  • Nazca (1 night) Hotel
  • Overnight bus to Arequipa (1 night) Overnight bus
  • Arequipa (1 night) Hotel
  • Chivay (1 night) Hotel
  • Puno (1 night) Hotel
  • Llachón, Lake Titicaca (1 night) Family homestay
  • Puno (1 night) Hotel
  • Cusco (2 nights) Hotel
  • Inca Trail (3 nights) Camping
  • Cusco (2 nights) Hotel
  • Amazon (2 nights) Jungle eco-lodge
  • Lima (2 nights) Hotel
  • Quito (1 night) Hotel
  • San Cristóbal (2 nights) Hotel
  • Isabela (3 nights) Hotel
  • Santa Cruz (2 nights) Hotel
  • Quito (1 night) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation — 29 nights hotels, a family homestay, 3 nights camping, a jungle lodge and an overnight bus
  • Meals 28 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Flights Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado to Lima, Lima to Quito, Quito to San Cristóbal and the Galápagos back to Quito
  • Transport public and private buses, boats on Lake Titicaca, a motorised canoe, the train from Machu Picchu and speedboats between the islands
  • Inca Trail or Quarry Trail hike with porters, or the train option, plus a guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Guided visits Chauchilla Cemetery, the Colca Canyon, the Lake Titicaca homestay, the Amazon lodge and Quito's historic centre
  • Galápagos snorkelling at La Lobería, Kicker Rock and Floreana, Las Tintoreras, the tortoise breeding centre, kayaking, Sierra Negra, the Santa Cruz highlands, Tortuga Bay and the Charles Darwin Research Station
  • Local leader in Peru and naturalist guides in the Galápagos

Not included

  • International flights to Lima and home from Quito
  • Galápagos fees, paid in cash Transit Control Card and National Park and Isabela port fees
  • Visas for Peru and Ecuador, if required
  • Meals not included 1 breakfast, 14 lunches and 23 dinners
  • Wetsuit hire, tips, travel insurance and personal spending
A blue-footed booby standing on rocks by the sea, Galápagos

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want international flights included — they are not
  • You dislike long journeys — there is an overnight bus and several long drives
  • You want a Galápagos cruise — this is a land-based island-hopping stay
  • You want comfort every night — there is camping, a homestay and a jungle lodge

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–19 and 21–30 · Lunch: Days 8, 12–14, 17–18, 23–24, 26 and 28 · Dinner: Days 8, 12–14 and 17–18
Highest altitude 4,800 m at the Patapampa Pass (Day 6); Dead Woman's Pass (Inca Trail) 4,200 m; Quarry Trail high pass 4,450 m
Tour starts Lima, Peru — welcome meeting 4 pm Day 1 at the hotel
Tour ends Quito, Ecuador — Day 30, no activities scheduled, free to depart anytime
Second welcome meeting 2 pm Day 21 in Quito for any new travellers joining the Galapagos section
Languages Spanish (Peru and Ecuador); Quechua and Aymara widely spoken in highland communities; English at hotels and with your leader
Currency Peruvian Sol (PEN) in Peru, US Dollar (USD) in Ecuador — Ecuador adopted the dollar in 2000, no exchange needed
Visas UK passport holders don't need a visa for Peru (90 days) or Ecuador (90 days)
Physical rating Medium — moderate hikes at altitude, the 17 km Sierra Negra hike, plus snorkelling and 4 am Inca-Trail start
Suitable for ages 15-99 (mixed-age group)
Inca Trail permits Provide full passport details at booking — Inca authorities will refuse entry if names don't match exactly; February closed (Quarry Trail used by default)
Galapagos rules Strict park rules on wildlife distance, authorised visit times only, and no removal of shells, corals, sand or anything from the environment
Galapagos fees US$20 Transit Card + US$200 National Park fee + US$10 Isabela Port fee — all cash USD
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Ecuador · UK FCDO travel advice for Peru
Marine iguanas basking on a sandy beach, Galápagos

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £6,370 per person, twin share, tour only. 53 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Are flights included?

All internal flights are included: within Peru, from Lima to Quito, and to and from the Galápagos. International flights to Lima and home from Quito are not.

Do I have to hike the Inca Trail?

No. You can choose the four-day Inca Trail, the three-day Quarry Trail, or stay in Cusco and take the train. All include a guided visit to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail permits are limited and the trail is closed in February.

What Galápagos fees should I budget for?

Cash fees are not included: a Transit Control Card collected in Quito, the Galápagos National Park entry fee on arrival, and a small Isabela port fee.

How demanding is the trip?

Varied. The highest point is 4,800 metres on the road to Chivay, the Inca Trail crosses passes up to 4,200 metres, and the Sierra Negra hike is 17 kilometres. There is also an overnight bus and several speedboat crossings.

What meals are included?

26 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 6 dinners, including full board at the homestay, on the trek and at the jungle lodge, and lunches on several Galápagos days.

Can solo travellers share a room?

Yes. Solo travellers can share with another traveller of the same sex at no extra cost, or pay a single supplement, which is not available on the overnight bus, the homestay or the jungle lodge.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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